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From The VCMA
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From The VCMA
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October was “Country Music Month,” and the VCMA’s October Jamboree was a good ‘un for sure. The house band for the day was Stephanie Poole and the Dallas Band. Without a doubt they were one of the best groups we’ve had all year. Stephanie has used different lineups for the group from time to time, but this one’s a keeper! Everyone was on their game, and it showed in the quality show they presented and how they backed up the guests for the jam session. The group consisted of Stephanie on vocals and emcee work, her sister Cheryl Beck on rhythm guitar and vocals, Walter Scott on lead guitar and vocals, Lonnie Godfrey on drums, Ben Gugler on bass guitar, and Mary Gugler on keyboards..... We had five cakes for the cakewalk this month, and I got to sample a couple of ‘em so that was good...... The 50/50 drawing was won by Jim Prior; congratulations, Jim.......The jam session participants were: Tommy Riddle, Jim Drewery, Libby Pearce, Jim Rowe, Deborah Wonch, Kay Hayes, Johnny “B”, Walt Novak, and Jack Bateman........ Our next Jamboree will be on November 16th and will feature Walt Novak’s band. A lot of you attended the Friday night dances Walt’s band used to host at the South Norfolk Eagles Lodge. Also, at the November Jamboree we will be presenting the Pioneer Award for 2008.......... ******************************************************************************* This month we’d like to change the usual spotlight section to honor one of our deceased members and a very special person, Willie Phelps!
I didn’t know Willie as well as a lot of the folks who were raised around this area, but it is thanks to the VCMA that I met Willie at a monthly Jamboree shortly after I’d moved here. When I first met Willie, I knew right away that he was a special person. He offered the hand of friendship to many in the area, including me. He was always a pleasure to be around and had one of the greatest sense of humors I’ve ever encountered. Willie had a talent for “throwing” his voice which was really unique! I was always amazed that even late in life his wonderful voice still sounded great. I’ve seen him singing in a wheelchair and doing a great job. Willie, along with his brothers Norman & Earl, played around this area and the rest of the world to great crowds. They ventured to Hollywood and appeared in movies with Gene Autry, Ray Whitley, Tex Ritter, and others. Willie was the “pretty boy” of the trio as Norman and Earl were a little more on the homely side. I think ol’ Willie could’ve been a leading man on his own if he’d wanted to. He had the looks for it. I’ve heard more than one lady saying what a great lookin’ dude he was, and this was when he was a “senior citizen”! Not to take a back seat, Willie’s song writing talents were second to none. He wrote songs recorded by Jim Reeves and Elvis Presley, among others. You ain’t no slouch when you can claim credits like that! Willie’s daughter Bobbie and husband Ed, along with their band the Rounders, are carrying on his tradition and music for new generations to enjoy. In June of each year they host a Phelps Brothers Music Festival at Lakeside Park in South Norfolk. If you’d like more detailed info on Willie, his daughter Bobbie has written a book entitled “Sing It Pretty, Willie” which has a lot of great stories and pictures. You can get your copy by contacting Bobbie or Ed Beard. Also you can visit the Phelps Brothers web site at www.phelpsbrothers.tripod.com. ******************************************************************************* Let’s all go back thirty years to November of 1978. The VCMA had a lot going on with Chris Belaire as President. The election of officers had already taken place and new President Ken Sauls was to be installed on the 5th at a banquet and dance held at Lake Wright Motel & Restaurant in Norfolk. The board of directors meeting would be held at WCMS Radio Station on the 13th. The November Jamboree was to be held on the 12th from 2 PM until 1:30 AM at the Butterfield Stage in South Norfolk. The bands were: “Boothill Express,” “Frank Cole & the Honky Tonk Heroes,” “Jack T. & the Banditos,” and “Beverly Taylor & the Stageriders,” along with various guests. On Friday, the 3rd, a VCMA night was held at the County Line with all members admitted free. Did any of you go to that?......I was still in southern California............. Thanks to all those who voted in our VCMA officer election. We received 118 ballots. The following were elected to serve for the coming year:
President - Te Board Members - Joyce Johnson, Elizabeth Shomaker, and Don Yount Board member Violet Stafford submitted her resignation in October because of continuing health problems. The Board elected Bob Hitt to serve out Violet’s term of office. ******************************************************************************* The George D. Hay Wreath Laying Ceremony held at Forest Lawn Cemetery on October 12th was really a success. It’s the second year in a row that we’ve had a healthy attendance. Once again we had live music with President Tee Meroney on rhythm guitar & vocals along with Jerry Hayes on lead guitar and Garland Abbott III on bass. Kay Hayes also shared a couple of gospel tunes for us. Garland furnished a portable battery unit so we hooked it up to a small PA set and everyone could hear just fine. Rev. Lamar Sentell was pleased as he said that some years he’d been there we’d only had three or four people. It was nice to see our founder, Charlie Taylor, in attendance. He brought Judge Hay’s old steamboat whistle with him and opened the ceremony with it. For many years, Judge Hay used to blow that whistle to open all the Grand Ole Opry broadcasts............. ******************************************************************************* Don’t forget to check out our VCMA web site which can be found at: http://virginiacma.com It’s operated by member John Floyd, AKA “The Carolina Wildman” http://carolinawildman.com/ It’s a masterpiece as far as web sites go. The site is always evolving and changing as John adds new information to keep it up to date...... ******************************************************************************* Let’s keep members Violet Stafford & Doris Blando in our prayers. They’ve been suffering some health problems lately and need our support. Also, life member Norman Jerald has just had rotator cuff surgery and will be recuperating for a while. Norm’s been what you might call our “staff” drummer for the VCMA for many years. I saw him at the Jamboree, and he’s recuperating pretty well, but I couldn’t resist calling him “Lefty”......... Phyllis Lawler is recovering from surgery and is at home now. We miss her as she’s been a great asset and friend to many of us and the organization! Doris Taylor is still sick and has been for a good while. Let’s not forget Doris as she was a mainstay in the VCMA for a lot of years and is a Pioneer Award recipient. We heard from Ann Askew that John has had brain surgery and is recovering now! Joe Adams has had an injury to his hand, and we hope it’s gettin’ better now. Joe, we miss your cooking at the VCMA picnic. Also, lets keep Don Freeman in our prayers as he is experiencing health problems. It was nice to see Florence Burton back at the Jamboree after her recovery from a fall. Get well everyone; we’re thinking of you! ******************************************************************************* Pastor Tom Potter, along with the Classic Country Band, will be hosting the annual Salvation Army’s “Christmas Toy Chest” fund raiser to be held at Hardee’s on Portsmouth Blvd. The date is Tuesday, November 18th, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. If you’ve been to one of these in the past, you know they’re a lot of fun and you get to help out a great cause. Pastor Potter, in addition to being a great preacher, is no slouch at an auction. He could literally sell refrigerators to Eskimos in my opinion. I remember once at a show the Legends played at Pinecrest Baptist Church he sold me a cake for $70.00, and I’m a known cheapskate! The band for the evening will be Bob Radford, Garland Abbott III, and the Classic Country Band along with special guests......... ******************************************************************************* Welcome to our newest members: Jim Dyer, Dorothy Elliott, Eugene Nunnally, Gary Stearn, Margaret Smith, and Debra Wonch. As always, we are pleased to have you as VCMA members and look forward to your participation in our events. ****************************************************************************** Put this date on your calendar: December 7, VCMA Christmas Party at the South Norfolk Eagles, 2-5 PM. You are encouraged to bring to the party a new toy which will be donated to Toys for Tots. ******************************************************************************* BAND SCHEDULES
Irv & Sassy Baugham and the “Winds of Grass” will be appearing at the following venues in November: Nov. 1....... Dairy Queen in Windsor, VA 7-9 PM Nov. 8....... Bluebird Gap Farm “Children’s Fall Festival” in Hampton, VA 10 AM-3 PM Nov. 8....... Red Apple Restaurant in Suffolk 5:30-8:30 PM (Country and Rock & Roll) Nov. 9....... Backyard Burger in Chesapeake (Western Branch) 5:30-7:30 PM Nov. 15...... Red Apple Restaurant in Suffolk, VA (Bluegrass) 5:30-8:30 PM ******************************************************************************** “The Long & Short of It” featuring Kay & Jerry Hayes, Don Yount, & Lonnie Godfrey will be at...... Nov. 14......... Warwick Moose Lodge (Lounge) 8-11 PM Nov. 21.........Sammy’s on V.B. Blvd. in Oceana 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM ******************************************************************************** Bob Radford & the Classic Country Band appear each Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30-8:30 PM at the Hardee’s Restaurant on Portsmouth Blvd. in P-Town. The band consists of Bob on vocals/ harmonica, Garland Abbott III on vocals/bass, Russell Williford on lead guitar/vocals, Jerry Hayes on lead guitar/pedal steel, and Gene Gregory on drums/vocals. Get there early to get a good seat! They’ll also be appearing at Mallory Pool on the 28th from 8-11 PM. An interesting note: All members of this band are in the VCMA....I think it’s the only band in the area who can say that! ******************************************************************************** The Jack Bateman Band will be appearing at the VFW in Oceanview on the 14th from 7:30 to 11:30 PM. Also in Nov. he’ll be appearing with his band at the Hardee’s on Indian River Road near Providence each Wednesday evening from 7-9 PM.....Jack is doing his solo show at the Hardee’s in Churchland each Monday from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. In addition, Jack appears at various nursing homes throughout the area on a regular basis......... ********************************************************************************* The Paradise Café on Airline Blvd. features live music each Saturday from 5-8 PM, featuring members Garland Abbott III on bass guitar & vocals, Jerry Hayes on pedal steel & lead guitar and (non member) Barry Fedesco on vocals and rhythm guitar. The Café features a very reasonably-priced buffet for your enjoyment! ******************************************************************************** Board member Elizabeth Shomaker hosts the “Friday Night Friends of Country Music” dances each week at the rec hall of Mallory Pool on Big Bethel Road in Hampton. The November schedule is as follows............ Nov. 7......Country Review (Tommie Allie & Johnny Bowers) Nov. 14.....Dallas Band (Stephanie Poole & Cheryl Beck) Nov. 21.....Country Road Express (Al Gwaltney) Nov. 28.....Classic Country Band (Bob Radford, Garland Abbott III, Jerry Hayes, Russell Williford, Gene Gregory ******************************************************************************* Steve Harlan and the Phoenix Band will be appearing at........ Nov. 7.........Pipefitter Union Hall 8-11 PM Nov. 22.........VFW in Oceanview 8-11 PM Nov. 28-29....Starz on Bonney Rd. in Virginia Beach 9 PM to 1 AM ******************************************************************************** On November 7th Faith Wesleyan Church on Pecan Point Road in Norfolk will be having a Barbecue Dinner & Country Music Show at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $10 which includes both the dinner and show. In addition, there will be a silent auction of gift items. Garland Abbott III, Lonnie Godfrey, and Jerry & Kay Hayes, along with guests, will be the featured entertainment. If you’d like a ticket, contact Kay Hayes (by November 3, if possible) at 456-0340 or 373-3848. This will be a fund raiser for the Church. ******************************************************************************** If you have a band and would like to have your schedule listed in the Newsletter, just let Jerry know by phone at 373-0115 or email jshayes2007@cox.net. The only requirement is that at least one member of the band is a current VCMA member in good standing............. ******************************************************************************** This month we are starting something new in our monthly newsletters. We are accepting business card advertisements at a cost of $5 a month. If your business, organization, or band would like to place an ad, contact Jerry Hayes, Garland Abbott, or another of the VCMA Board members. You are encouraged to support those who advertise in our newsletter.
In the past months, a number of newsletters have been returned because of changed addresses. We want to keep all of our members informed of our events; therefore, if you move, please inform the VCMA of your address change. Thanks!
Our membership is growing each month. You are encouraged to invite family members and friends to join our organization. Benefits include a monthly newsletter and admission of only $2.00 to the Jamborees to hear great live music. In addition, the VCMA sponsors the September picnic and the Christmas Party in December. Dues are only $15.00 per year. This is a great deal!!
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